ACT - Action Counters Terrorism

In Northern Ireland the current threat level in relation to International AND Northern Irish related terrorism sits at SEVERE. This means an “attack is highly likely”. We have always said ‘Communities defeat terrorism’. The UK wide ACT campaign urges the public to report suspicious activity (including online content), primarily to keep themselves safe, but also to help police bring dangerous offenders to justice and prevent terror attacks in Northern Ireland.

We want the public to ‘Be Alert, Not Alarmed’. If we can spot and report suspicious behaviour and items, we may be able to prevent an attack from even happening.

Suspicious behaviour:

Hostile reconnaissance is the information gathering phase of attack planning and is vital to the process. It is carried out prior to almost every attack. Being able to identify behaviour which is unusual or out of the ordinary (suspicious) may save lives. Such activity MUST be challenged or reported immediately. If the activity observed will result in imminent danger call 999 and ask for Police.

Use the mnemonic SALUTE:

S Situation: who or what was picked up on

A Activity: what was happening, what was the person or vehicle doing

L Location: where was the activity taking place

U Unit: who made the observation

T Time: when did the activity take place

E Equipment: any equipment that can assist in the evaluation of the incident eg CCTV location.

Examples of suspicious activity/hostile reconnaissance:

Someone in or attempting to enter a restricted area without proper permission/accreditation

If you see suspicious behaviour/activity, you must no ignore it. Trust your instincts – your call could save lives.

Suspicious Items – Guidance for the public

Do not touch

Try and identify an owner in the immediate area

If you still think its suspicious, do not feel embarrassed about reporting it or think that someone else will or should report it

If you are in a business or at an event, report it to a member of staff or security. If they are not available or you are in any other environment call the Police on 999 if you believe there is a risk to life. If there is no immediate risk you must still report what you have seen – call 101 or the confidential number 0800 555 111

Be ready to tell the police: who you are, what it is you have seen, where it is, why you think its suspicious

STAY SAFE

Advice for the public on the steps they can take to keep themselves safe in the rare event of a firearms or weapons attack. View the Run, Hide, Tell video.

ACT for Youth is a new safety campaign for 11-16 year olds teaching them how to act in the unlikely event they are caught in a gun or knife attack’. Its in three parts and the first part has been released.

Crowded Places Counter Terrorism Advice

This section covers advice on the keys elements of protective security: physical, personnel, cyber and personal, and helps give guidance on how different sectors can help make their business, institution or organisation safer.